... Yet only one-third of their facilities are powder-free ...ANAHEIM Calif. April 7 2008 /- Seven out of 10operati...In a random sample of 543 nurses at the AORN Congress Molnlycke Healt...According to the survey 94 percent of respondents have a moderate t...

ANAHEIM, Calif., April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven out of 10
operating room nurses attending this year's Association of PeriOperative
Registered Nurses (AORN) 55th Congress in Anaheim, Calif. who responded to
an industry survey reported being "very concerned" about the surgical
complications related to glove powder. However, only 30 percent reported
their facility was powder-free. Powdered gloves have been implicated as the
largest single contributor to latex aeroallergen levels in healthcare
facilities.(i)

In a random sample of 543 nurses at the AORN Congress, Molnlycke Health
Care, manufacturer of the Biogel(R) glove line, asked attendees about glove
powder and latex safety issues, both major concerns in the operating room
today.

According to the survey, 94 percent of respondents have a "moderate" to
"high" level of awareness of the potential surgical complications related
to the use of powdered surgical gloves, but only 57 percent correctly
identified all four of the leading complications: latex allergic reactions,
latex sensitization, post-operative surgical site infection and adhesion
formation.

"Many of us assume that the complications associated with powdered
glove use are well understood by perioperative practitioners," said Carolyn
Twomey, R.N., global vice president of clinical and clinical research,
Molnlycke Health Care. "Clearly, there is a need for education about the
full range of complications related to powder. Although very serious, latex
allergies and occupational asthma are not the only issues. Patient
complications from powder left behind in surgical wounds can include
adhesions, delays in wound healing, pyrogenic reactions and the fostering
of infection. By understanding all of these complications, practitioners
can be proactive in reducing patient risk and improving patient outcomes."

Powdered latex gloves should not be used for surgical procedures
because the cornstarch powder contributes to delayed wound healing(ii) and
postoperative complications including adhesions,(iii) granulomas,(iv)
increased scar formation(v) and increased risk of infection.(vi) All of
these contribute to longer hospital patient stays and increased healthcare
costs. Cornstarch powder on surgical and exam gloves promotes the transfer
of allergenic latex proteins.(vii) For healthcare workers, the risks of
powder-related complications including respiratory symptoms and asthma, as
well as hand dermatitis, all lead to latex sensitization, are major
concerns. (vii) These all contribute to lost healthcare employee
productivity and disability, for which the risk can be significantly
decreased with the use of powder-free gloves.(ix, x)

Nearly a dozen professional healthcare organizations, including AORN,
support the use of powder-free, low-protein surgical gloves, and recommend
the use of latex-free glove alternatives for situations in which a
latex-free solution is necessary, such as in the care of a latex-sensitive
patient or for a latex-sensitive practitioner. Hospitals that have chosen
powder-free, low-protein latex gloves have demonstrated reductions in latex
allergies and occupational asthma. In fact, many have reported the return
to work of latex-sensitive practitioners, who previously could not
work.(xi)

Powder in latex gloves and latex allergies in general have continued to
bring the issue of "latex-safe" vs. "latex-free" healthcare facilities to
the forefront. In February, The Wall Street Journal reported on facilities
aiming to become latex-free.(xii) Eliminating all latex from a healthcare
environment presents unique challenges due to the number of medical
products that contain latex.(xiii) It is recommended that facilities
consider all latex options and the needs of the staff before making a
latex-safe or latex-free decision.

"Finding an industry partner who is interested in helping your
healthcare organization fully understand the facts supported by
evidence-based literature is essential to making a wise decision for the
long-term," said Twomey.

Molnlycke Health Care provides healthcare facilities with a unique team
approach that results in tailored, well-rounded glove solutions. This
includes a full-line of powder-free, low-protein latex and non-latex glove
styles to address all specialty needs. As reported in The Cochrane Review,
the Biogel patented, puncture indication glove system (in either latex or
non-latex) provides protection and an alert system for barrier breach which
increases practitioner safety.(xiv)

Biogel gloves are manufactured by the only major surgical glove company
with an exclusively powder-free surgical glove line, and are made from
high-tech material that is bonded with a thin inner coating of acrylate
terpolymer. The smooth inner surface allows Biogel gloves to be easily
donned with damp or dry hands without the need for a powder lubricant.

About Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC

Molnlycke Health Care U.S., LLC, consists of two divisions -- Surgical
and Wound Care. Focusing on prevention of surgically-related infections for
both patients and healthcare workers, the Surgical Division (formerly
Regent Medical Americas, LLC) encompasses the world's leading manufacturer
and supplier of powder-free surgical gloves (Biogel(R) surgical gloves);
the number one supplier (by value) of skin cleanser (Hibiclens(R) and
Hibistat(R) antiseptics); and BARRIER(R) protective clothing. A leader in
trauma and pain management, the Wound Care Division's market dynamics are
driven by an aging population, higher incidence of pressure ulcers and
increased home treatment.

i American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). Joint Statement
Concerning the Use of Powdered and Non-powdered Natural Rubber Latex
Gloves, July 21, 1997.

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